Now that I am receiving signup forms and checks for our Whistler trip, I thought I would spend some space here discussing required travel documentation (TD) for this trip. If travelers do not possess applicable TD to enter Canada, those unfortunate souls will not be allowed into that country. That nightmare scenario will definitely ruin your trip! Also, it is required to have such TD to re-enter the United States! As we have 4+ months before this trip, NOW is an extremely prudent time to take care of these TD matters.
The information contained her is a starting point. Please note that the complete accuracy of the TD requirements information contained in this article is NOT guaranteed by the Nisei Ski Club or its Officers or the author of this article. All responsibility for applicable TD for the NSC Whistler-2010 trip or any other trip is solely the responsibility of the traveler.
First of all, you need to ensure that you can re-enter the United States. I know some of you would like to ski at Whistler for a very long time, but if you do not have the required TD, you might be staying in Canada for an extended period. Please hit LINK1 below which describes the “Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).” Here you will note that it is unequivocally stated that, “…ALL PERSONS traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport book or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United State…”
So if you are a U.S. citizen, do yourself and the rest of the group a favor and obtain a passport. Please refer to LINK2 below for the U.S. State Department Passport homepage. For an estimate of current processing times, hit LINK3. Please note that current non-expedited processing times are running about 4 to 6 weeks. If you are a permanent U.S. resident, you will need your respective native-country passport and any applicable U.S. visa (LINK4). If you have a U.S. passport that is about to expire, please notice the following answer from the FAQ section of LINK10: “…If possible, you should renew your passport approximately nine (9) months before it expires. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six (6) months beyond the date of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met…”
LINK5 describes the TD requirements for entering Canada. Basically, U.S. citizens are required to possess a passport. However, you should review the website of the Canadian Border Services Agency at LINK6 for applicable TD entrance requirements. A new high-tech method of acceptable TD for Canadian entrance utilizes biometrics with a retinal scan. For those of you who travel regularly to Canada, the NEXUS program may be of interest (LINK7). This method will allow one to rapidly enter into Canada via special expedited lines when we arrive at Vancouver YVR. On a side note, NEXUS is an example of a “Trusted Traveler Program” (LINK8) much like the SENTRI program that can be used to expedite entrance into Mexico.
On another topic, some NSC members are inquiring about the frequent flyer program of our airline for this trip. Air Canada is a member of the Star Alliance (LINK9) and hence travelers can designate their mileage for accrual on other alliance partners such as United Airlines. I will be sending out a questionnaire form that will have a place for designating what frequent flyer program the Whistler trip miles are to be assigned to.
LINK1: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html
LINK2: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
LINK3: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/processing/processing_1740.html
LINK4: http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html
LINK5: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1082.html
LINK6: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/noncan-eng.html
LINK7: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/nexus_prog
LINK8: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler
LINK9: http://www.staralliance.com/en/travellers/index.html
LINK10: http://travel.state.gov/passport/fri/faq/faq_1741.html
So in summary, please obtain all applicable TD if you are signing up for the NSC Whistler-2010 trip. Obtain all applicable TD now as we have 4+ months before this trip.
I will provide continuing info in this article series in the next few months so stay tuned!
So please sign up early as all indications are that we will hit our 54 person trip maximum and sell out early. You can email me at whistler@NiseiSkiClub.org if you have any questions.
